Wednesday

Homemade Silly Putty

No matter what I plan in the summer, at some point, two dreaded words are said:

"I'm bored," (said in the high-pitched whining voice you would expect).

And sometimes . . . 

even my kids say it.

My kids like to get messy.  The slimier, the gooier -the better.  

But they have me for a Mom.  And they know I get all twitchy when things get too messy.  

For Christmas, Santa brought something that makes us both happy.  He's a jolly old elf.


You might have even seen a commercial or two.  My kids did.  Which just goes to show you that paid advertising during cartoons works, my friends.

The kit we have comes with a book of 50 projects.  It has provided hours of entertainment. 

And sometimes, I even let my kids make projects.  Don't look at me that way, I've had a blast with this kit.

I'm leaning on it heavily for those long summer days.

We made Silly Putty the other day.  I mean, real Silly Putty.  We even put it in a little plastic egg and when we were done, we marketed it and made a million dollars!  

Well, we could've.  

My daughter played with it so much it turned a different color.  (This was a bonus and a hint that she needed to wash her hands more often).

Sure, we could have bought it at the store for .99, but it wouldn't have been as much fun or quite as messy!

So, here's how you do it:

You Will Need:
  • 1-1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup white glue (Elmer's glue is preferred)
  • 3 drops food coloring (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Borax (found in the laundry aisle of most grocery stores, or liquid starch)
What You Need to Do:
  • Mix 1/2 cup water and glue. Mix thoroughly.
  • Add food coloring, if desired.
  • In separate container, mix 2 tablespoons Borax and 1 cup of water. Stir well.
  • Add 1/2 cup of Borax solution to water and glue mixture. Mix well.  It will be gooey, but just keep working it with your hands.
  • Store in a plastic bag or egg.








And below is a link to some other amazing recipes for bubbles, play dough, and even sidewalk chalk! 

23 comments:

Valarie Lea said...

Wow! I did not know you could make your own play dough.

Land of Lovings said...

I LOVE to make my own play dough! It is so fun. Finger paint and sidewalk chalk are also a blast to make and use.

I've never seen that website before so I can't wait to check it out and see all the cool recipes! Thanks for sharing!

Jen @ One Moms World said...

Yes.. I am trying to make sure between the library and the 4H daily workshops that I will not hear the dreaded I'm bored expressions. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Anonymous said...

I have yet to try any of these make your own concoctions, but I have them on my list if I get desperate!

Unknown said...

This would be a fun one - I'll save the idea.

Thanks for stopping by my blog - I was laughing at the thought of you licking the screen, 'cause I thought you just might do it if you were hungry enough!! :)

Dawn @ simply transparent said...

HEy hey now I would like something like that...
Here's fun and wasteful thing to do...using different density water;oil;karo syrup and food coloring..layer each in a clear glass or flower vase clear..makes beuatiful art for the day and if you want you can cap/lid it and show off.

Have fun !

Dawn ;0)

Anonymous said...

That is JUST the site I need! My kids love to make stuff like this... and so do I. =0)

Thanks!!! It's already bookmarked.

Anonymous said...

Sounds fun! My kids love this kind of thing and when I get desperate enough, I sometimes let them do it! We will have to try some out, Thanks!

Lisa Knight said...

I keep meaning to do this with my kids but haven't. Now I HAVE to put Borax back on the shopping list!!!

Lisa said...

Oh my grandson will love doing this. Can't wait to give it a try. thanks!

Suzie said...

Im gonna give it a try thanks

Wonderful World of Weiners said...

Great idea but think I'd have to make it for just me. My 14 year old probably wouldn't find this a fun use of his time!

Hallie :)

Anonymous said...

School gets out next Wednesday. We're buying the book. Today.

Ginny said...

I saw those ads & the book looked very cool. Thanks for the info on it, glad to hear it is good. Michael's just made a small little section to buy items for this book. I didn't see anything to special, hoping they add to it!

The Apron Queen said...

Oh! I am so making this! And I might even share and let my kids play with it! :D

For your daily dose of vintage goodness & a bit of silliness, stop by Confessions of an Apron Queen, the home of Vintage Thingies Thursdays.

Kirsty said...

I found you through Rocks in my Dryer. LOVE the recipe link, I thank you and my kids to do :)
Kirsty

Jamie said...

We did this when my kids were younger...we all had a blast!

Unknown said...

My boys love ooey, gooey things. We love home made craft recipes and will be making this soon.

Kristen M. said...

Take it one step further. Make the silly putty AND check this book out from the library.
http://kristenmclane.com/2008/01/23/book-review-and-science-project-the-secret-science-project-that-almost-ate-the-school/

Unknown said...

Really? Silly Puddy? And it felt like it, too?

I can't tell you how much it frustrates me when my kids say they are bored. Here's what they can do:

Clean your room
Do your laundry
Ride your bike
Ride your skateboard
Ride your skooter
Jump on the trampolene
Play on the computer
Watch one of your million movies
Play on your xbox
Play with the dog
Go for a walk
Watch TV
Color
Draw
Paint
Play a board game
Read

But NO, they don't feel like doing any of that stuff.

Five minutes later.

I'm bored.

UGH!

Happy Mommy said...

That is wonderful! I can't wait to make some slime! I just couldn't get it together this week to post for WFMW... But I love this idea!

Anonymous said...

Oh, this is such a great idea. Im totally doing this. I already told my youngest son and he keeps asking 'WHEN WHEN WHEN???' Thanks for sharin.

Tonya said...

oh yeah I have those messy activities lined up I just need some rain day activities got any good ones? I do the messy ones outside :)